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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 30, 2023 11:33 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Gene Yaw |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Prescribing Opioids to Patients |
| In the near future, I plan to reintroduce Senate Bill 169, which will address the increasing risk of individuals becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures. This legislation would limit the prescription for a controlled substance containing an opioid to seven-days unless there is a medical emergency that puts the patients’ health or safety at risk. This is more important now than ever with opioid overdoses and dependence and addiction rising throughout the nation due in large measure to the isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation will also require all prescribers who are licensed, registered, or otherwise lawfully authorized to distribute, dispense, or administer a controlled substance containing an opioid to discuss the risks of addiction and dangers of overdose associated with the medication. The current law is limited to prescribing opioids to minors; however, this legislation would extend it to all individuals across the board who are prescribed opioids. Previous co-sponsors of Senate Bill 169 included Senators Regan, Scavello, Hutchinson, Stefano, Baker, and Yudichak. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |